If they are empty nesters, then what is the need of an adult-sized third-row seat to start with? They probably won't be carrying adults or large teens back there very often, if at all.

It's called follow the crowd.

Can you spell F-A-D?

 

Highlander originally was a 2 row crossover, with a 3 row option. Santa Fe used to do it this way too, Santa Fe Sport (2 row) and now Santa Fe XL (3 row). Now Santa Fe is just 2 row.

I think the HL is the best selling mid size crossover, so people have historically valued the size it offers.

 

empty nesters can still utilize a 3 row SUV. Most of the time they can have the 3rd row folded down for the extra cargo space but in a pinch they can take 7 extra people around. Even empty nesters may have to carry friends and family around on occasion. That is the great flexibility that 3 row crossovers have.

Just like a HDTV, no one complains that it was too big, only that it was too small

 

if 3 couples are going out to dinner, it's REALLY nice to be able to go in one vehicle. i've been in this situation numerous times and we end up having to take 2 vehicles. being able to talk and share laughs as a group when going out somewhere is very enjoyable to most people.

plus, even empty nesters might go on a road trip with others, even grown children and maybe their partners and maybe even their children.

exactly right. while i could shoehorn shorter grown people into a highlander third row for a short trip, which would also require the second row being moved forward, i'd rather there were more room and less seat gyrations.

 

Going out to dinner, golf, bingo, mahjong, vacation, whatever with 2 other couples. Transporting kids and grandkids. If you are an empty nester and you want something with 3 rows, you want it for a very specific reason, which would probably be--you need to transport more than 3 addl passengers frequently. (to be clear, I disagree with the HL is targeted for empty nesters theory).

 

even empty nesters can utilize a 3 row crossover, its even more bleak for sedan sales

 

Well, you're talking apples and oranges there. I haven't seen very many 3-row sedans.

 

exactly, so if 3 row is appealing EVEN to empty nesters, it makes sedans even LESS desirable.

 

As a new Telluride owner, I’d like to weigh in on the issue.

1) It looks pretty darn good next to my LC500 in the garage.
2) I have the EX with premium package, AWD, sangria on gray. For its intended purpose, I literally have zero complaints. It’s a stellar vehicle. Sporty? Not in the least. Plush, quiet, capable, rock solid build quality, every feature I want? Absolutely.
3) Toyota has a long way to go to catch H/K/G and several other brand in infotainment and how they implement Apple CarPlay.
4) We’re 34 and 38. Professionals and no kids. Not exactly their target demographic but we wanted a comfy vehicle for road trips, toting around our friends and something that can haul people and their ski gear up a mountain with ease.
5) I legitimately liked it more than the Mercedes GLE350. Even more when you look at the $25k difference when comparably equipped.

 

Nice, and congrats! Pictures or we don't believe you

 

They park on opposite sides of the garage and the LC500 is in storage on the lift for winter but I managed to get them both in the same pic.

 

Congratulations....I'll believe you without pictures.


Agreed.With the possible exception of the tough-as-nails Gelandewagen (G-Wagen), Mercedes SUVs, IMO, are somewhat overrated.

 

not much of a pic, but i was kidding, of course we believe you.

Nice car group and sweet that you have a large screen tv in the garage.

 

I suspect they keep it folded down most of the time for the extra cargo-space....but we may (?) be getting somewhat off topic.

Very nice garage. I sometimes wish I had one.

What is that gray vehicle (apparently a truck or SUV) in the middle, between the Telluride and the LC? I can't quite make it out from the angle involved...but the front end looks somewhat like a Honda Ridgeline.

 

It’s a 2018 Toyota Tacoma Off-Road.